There are always going to be birthday parties, trips, special occasions, etc. What's wrong with avoiding the crap food at all of the parties?
I was reading recently that we consume 5-10x the recommended sugar intake daily in North America. 10x. It's a huge problem. I'm really trying to be more conscious of our sugar intake as a family, and it IS frustrating when we decline a treat somewhere (a simple no, thank you.) and people try to force it on us.
Again, the writer herself was a bitch. Her approach was awful. But I see nothing wrong with trying to avoid the crap served everywhere.
But a GF cupcake isn't any healthier than a regular cupcake!
That's a good point. I more agree with trying to avoid the happy meals, pop, cake, etc in general but a GF cupcake is still a cupcake.
Look, if you think your kid doesn't need a "special treat" don't take him to another kid's birthday party. And if you don't think your kid needs a "special treat" don't sub a special cupcake either.
Now if the situation were a school Valentine party and she chose to send pretzels and hummus instead of the usual cookies and cupcakes, I could totally be on board.
There are always going to be birthday parties, trips, special occasions, etc. What's wrong with avoiding the crap food at all of the parties?
I was reading recently that we consume 5-10x the recommended sugar intake daily in North America. 10x. It's a huge problem. I'm really trying to be more conscious of our sugar intake as a family, and it IS frustrating when we decline a treat somewhere (a simple no, thank you.) and people try to force it on us.
Again, the writer herself was a bitch. Her approach was awful. But I see nothing wrong with trying to avoid the crap served everywhere.
IDK. Then don't go to the birthday party? For me, I *can* control the treats on trips and many special occasions and DS really doesn't go to enough birthday parties for me to get worried about this or to make me seem rude or condescending to the hosts.
IDK. Then don't go to the birthday party? For me, I *can* control the treats on trips and many special occasions and DS really doesn't go to enough birthday parties for me to get worried about this or to make me seem rude or condescending to the hosts.
Exactly. I get that it's trickier when you're dealing with school parties, post game celebrations, etc but birthday parties are actually pretty easy to avoid.
If you have a good recipe that's GF, don't hold back! Ive got a girlfriend whose celiac and I've never found a decent GF one.
I have this in my pinterest b/c my son's best friend is celiac (and now he has to avoid dairy due to a skin reaction/visit to the hospital) so I usually have some gluten free pizza dough and cupcakes in the freezer for a good chunk of the year. I've only made the first two of these - German Chocolate and the Lime one. The kids loved the German Chocolate and it was great and I really liked the lime-coconut ones. I did not do dairy free at the time I made these since the dairy issue is recent.
I guess I'll be the lone dissenter here... I don't know what's so horrible about this lady dropping off a substitute cupcake. (Although, what about the gluten-ous pizza?) She gave a short explanation and said special diet. I don't think people should lie and say allergy when it's not because if this kid grabbed a regular cupcake nobody needs to be stressing about epi-pens or calling 911.
Huh? How are you the lone dissenter? NO ONE is saying that she was wrong to drop off a cupcake.
And really, don't take your kids to parties if the cupcake is an issue? Because parties are 100% about eating shitty food?
I think it's hella cruel to your kids to take them to a party and expect them to have the willpower to not eat something particularly when the only reason they can't is because you don't want them to.
Post by jillboston on Jan 28, 2015 13:42:19 GMT -5
I really feel for these gluten-free kids. I have a coworker who I like very much - but she has her 2 year old on a GF diet. I get that there is a small percentage (last I read it was 1-2% of the population) with celiac disease. And I get that there are adults who are certain that they feel better GF. It would take a lot to convince me ( hard, cold facts from a medical professional) to believe that this poor child can't eat what the other kids can.
I guess I'll be the lone dissenter here... I don't know what's so horrible about this lady dropping off a substitute cupcake. (Although, what about the gluten-ous pizza?) She gave a short explanation and said special diet. I don't think people should lie and say allergy when it's not because if this kid grabbed a regular cupcake nobody needs to be stressing about epi-pens or calling 911.
In her article she did sound all butthurt but what the heck, she's probably just trying to make a buck selling her writing. Whatever, the internet is full of crap like this.
In this mommy war I just cannot understand why people give a shit about whether someone else's food choice is "legitimate." THAT is being judgmental.
I have plenty of opinions and preferences on diet, but I do not give a shit about what other people are eating on an individual level. I always ask about allergies and preferences for play dates and I wouldn't bat an eye if someone brought all of their own food or substitute foods.
And really, don't take your kids to parties if the cupcake is an issue? Because parties are 100% about eating shitty food?
People here don't have an issue with the cupcake. It's her. Honestly, I don't believe her that people were making fun of her kid's diet. I think she made it up, so she can judge others and make herself seem better (FAIL).
Only one kid in Hunter's class has a special diet- she's vegan. Hunter went to her birthday party, where the girl ate regular old pizza and cake (venue doesn't offer vegan pizza). Instead of making fun of her parents, I figured it was easier to say vegan than to say these few food items don't agree with my kid.
And really, don't take your kids to parties if the cupcake is an issue? Because parties are 100% about eating shitty food?
I think it's hella cruel to your kids to take them to a party and expect them to have the willpower to not eat something particularly when the only reason they can't is because you don't want them to.
IME half the reason for parties, kids or otherwise, it to eat food I don't normally have. You think I was gonna skip my weight in eating lumpia and those sesame red bean balls because they're not good for me? NOPE. If these parties were an every day thing, I would rethink, but it's like five a year.
The other half is to visit with friends, which I do considerably more often.
IDK. Then don't go to the birthday party? For me, I *can* control the treats on trips and many special occasions and DS really doesn't go to enough birthday parties for me to get worried about this or to make me seem rude or condescending to the hosts.
Exactly. I get that it's trickier when you're dealing with school parties, post game celebrations, etc but birthday parties are actually pretty easy to avoid.
The author of the article does sound "special" with her "special diet," but I think she's just frustrated b/c if you've ever tried to cure your kids allergies or health issues with a diet change, it's really hard. I avoided the elimination/reverse elimination diet for my youngest for months b/c it's a challenge and I only have a kid who is mildly allergic to bananas and yogurt and has poop issues. But I also think her jab at McDonalds was assholio.
As for avoiding parties, I think it's not unreasonable to bring your own food, just in case, when the kids are young. My oldest son's best friend is celiac, but his parents also eat Paleo, so they have special dietary stuff that isn't medical also. I would never NOT invite him to our parties b/c that would make my son very sad and they are really nice people, so we accommodate both his medical and his parents' dietary wishes. It's really not that hard to take that into account for us, but I can see how other people might be put off by it. But I have to admit that we have the luxury of being able to shop at a gluten-free, organic market and the money to afford this for an entire party so the kid can eat what we serve. He's also 9 now, so as kids with dietary restrictions get older, they self-regulate and less has to be said between parents.
Oh but I saw the ugly side of special diets while talking with a new mom friend at an event at school just last night - they are very healthy AND I guess a little judgmental. Our kids get free Pizza Hut pizza coupons for reading enough books each month and she made some interesting remarks. Then when I mentioned that we used to get McDonald's with the principal when we were little if we read enough books and her 5 year old son piped up, "They put worms in the meat and bugs in the French fries there! We don't eat there b/c it's not real food!" All I said was, "No they don't really serve worms and bugs, but the food isn't as healthy as a lot of home-cooked meals." The mom then admitted to telling him that because, "it's not totally untrue." I just gave her a confused look.
It's one thing to explain to your kids about healthy or everyday food vs. unhealthy fuel/food and sometimes food, but another to just lie about fast food to your kids so they automatically judge others!!!
Post by laurenpetro on Jan 28, 2015 13:50:32 GMT -5
FWIW: From the research I did when looking into offering GF options for cookies, you can't just make a GF option without using dedicated equipment (bowls, spoons, measuring cups) since gluten gets in the crevices of everything.
Just in case you're making a GF cupcake for a kid, you may want to let the parents know you don't have GF pans or bowls. The treat could still have gluten.
I really feel for these gluten-free kids. I have a coworker who I like very much - but she has her 2 year old on a GF diet. I get that there is a small percentage (last I read it was 1-2% of the population) with celiac disease. And I get that there are adults who are certain that they feel better GF. It would take a lot to convince me ( hard, cold facts from a medical professional) to believe that this poor child can't eat what the other kids can.
It takes far less energy to just take her at her word, yo.
Post by sparrowsong on Jan 28, 2015 13:52:22 GMT -5
I have a friend who has her kid on a crazy restricted diet that I silently judge. She blames food for all behavior issues. From what I can tell, every time he has a tantrum she eliminates what he last ate. He's gluten free, dairy free, soy free, sugar free, artificial color free, doesn't eat tomatoes.... Etc etc etc. I couldn't even tell you the whole list. She posted a pic one night of their homemade gluten free, dairy free, tomato free "pizza." It was crust made with whatever special flour and covered it ground hamburger. As a vegetarian with serious issues with the meat industry all I could think was, "that's the food you keep??? Blech!" Every time she talks about him and his diet and having a bad day behavior wise I just want to scream that he had a tantrum because he's four, not because he shouldn't eat citrus.
I see this all the time. One girl in dds class has severe allergies and always eats her own cupcake. Another little boy has...I can't remember the name but he cant process something, protein maybe, I don't know. But it's a total NON-issue. I cannot believe that these women at the party were talking like they were about the ' little girl with the special diet'. No way. Writer totally made this up.
I think it's hella cruel to your kids to take them to a party and expect them to have the willpower to not eat something particularly when the only reason they can't is because you don't want them to.
And so that's why some people drop off a substitute rather than avoiding the party altogether.
Right. Some kid with a cupcake made of "things those poor unloved kids have never heard of" standing there in a sea of pizza and brightly colored cupcakes.
It would be like walking into a the cheesecake factory with a bran muffin. Except you're 8 with an underdeveloped sense of logic and restraint.
I really feel for these gluten-free kids. I have a coworker who I like very much - but she has her 2 year old on a GF diet. I get that there is a small percentage (last I read it was 1-2% of the population) with celiac disease. And I get that there are adults who are certain that they feel better GF. It would take a lot to convince me ( hard, cold facts from a medical professional) to believe that this poor child can't eat what the other kids can.
It takes far less energy to just take her at her word, yo.
I would never challenge her on it. I just feel bad for her kid. (I do know that he does not have celiac disease)
And so that's why some people drop off a substitute rather than avoiding the party altogether.
Right. Some kid with a cupcake made of "things those poor unloved kids have never heard of" standing there in a sea of pizza and brightly colored cupcakes.
It would be like walking into a the cheesecake factory with a bran muffin. Except you're 8 with an underdeveloped sense of logic and restraint.
I think it's hella cruel to your kids to take them to a party and expect them to have the willpower to not eat something particularly when the only reason they can't is because you don't want them to.
IME half the reason for parties, kids or otherwise, it to eat food I don't normally have. You think I was gonna skip my weight in eating lumpia and those sesame red bean balls because they're not good for me? NOPE. If these parties were an every day thing, I would rethink, but it's like five a year.
The other half is to visit with friends, which I do considerably more often.
OMG, I loooove lumpia. I had to miss a neighbor's kid's birthday party right before Christmas, but H took the kids. He texted me the amazing spread and I was so jealous. The hostess apologized to H for not having any American food, and he was like "are you kidding me, Asian food is the best!" Then she sent him home with a gallon zip lock filled with lumpia for me. I ate the whole bag that night, LOL.
Here’s the backstory: For medical reasons, my daughter’s on a special diet. To add to that, I’ve chosen to limit and diversify her diet in other ways that I feel are important for reasons I don’t feel the need to explain.
the cunt is strong with this one.
i know there are people that need special diets. fine. i dont judge.
its all the hipster assholes that claim they cant eat gluten that are giving other people with valid reasons a bad name. so take your high and mighty fucking diet and aim your ire at them, ok?
"This prick is asking for someone here to bring him to task Somebody give me some dirt on this vacuous mass so we can at last unmask him I'll pull the trigger on it, someone load the gun and cock it While we were all watching, he got Washington in his pocket."
IME half the reason for parties, kids or otherwise, it to eat food I don't normally have. You think I was gonna skip my weight in eating lumpia and those sesame red bean balls because they're not good for me? NOPE. If these parties were an every day thing, I would rethink, but it's like five a year.
The other half is to visit with friends, which I do considerably more often.
OMG, I loooove lumpia. I had to miss a neighbor's kid's birthday party right before Christmas, but H took the kids. He texted me the amazing spread and I was so jealous. The hostess apologized to H for not having any American food, and he was like "are you kidding me, Asian food is the best!" Then she sent him home with a gallon zip lock filled with lumpia for me. I ate the whole bag that night, LOL.
I brought home more lumpia and pancit than I care to admit. My friend always has an excellent spread and intentionally makes enough so everyone goes home with leftovers.
Am I reading this correctly? Mom only dropped off the cupcake but the rest of the food was ok to eat? Or did her child not eat at the party.
Her kid wasn't supposed to eat anything but the cupcake.
I would imagine that was because the cupcake was a "special treat" and she wanted her kid to participate in having a treat, too, but... pizza and whatever else they had is also a special treat!
I see this all the time. One girl in dds class has severe allergies and always eats her own cupcake. Another little boy has...I can't remember the name but he cant process something, protein maybe, I don't know. But it's a total NON-issue. I cannot believe that these women at the party were talking like they were about the ' little girl with the special diet'. No way. Writer totally made this up.
I have to admit though that the worst example I ever saw of kids and special diets was this poor kid who came to VBS one year. She had PKU which is probably what the little boy you're talking about had. But not only could she not eat very much, her parents didn't sent her anything to eat. The friend of mine who brought the kid (kid's her neighbor) says they send her to her house for sleepovers with her daughters all of the time and don't send food, nor do they clarify what she can or cannot eat. "Oh, she'll let you know."
So at VBS, she basically ate cucumbers and ranch dressing. We couldn't even get the parents on the phone to figure out what we should buy for subsequent nights of VBS.
I hate those people so much. What an awful, neglectful thing to do to your kid.
OMG, I loooove lumpia. I had to miss a neighbor's kid's birthday party right before Christmas, but H took the kids. He texted me the amazing spread and I was so jealous. The hostess apologized to H for not having any American food, and he was like "are you kidding me, Asian food is the best!" Then she sent him home with a gallon zip lock filled with lumpia for me. I ate the whole bag that night, LOL.
I brought home more lumpia and pancit than I care to admit. My friend always has an excellent spread and intentionally makes enough so everyone goes home with leftovers.
I love lumpia. I could eat nothing but lumpia if permitted. Yumma yumma yumma! I like pancit too but lumpia is where it's at.
It's like the best of an egg roll and spring roll put together and made even better.
The Gluten free thing is out of control, though. Adults who are trying to lose weight and swear by GF, you do that. Do whatever works.for you. But keeping a kid on a GF diet is not going to make them Mensa-material. And IME it seems to correlate (though obviously not cause) with anxious not entirely socially integrated kids.
I think parents in general who focus a ton on a type of diet so much that it's part of their hobbies have kids that also freak out more about diet - be it GF, portion control, Paleo, whole 30, vegan, etc. Goes back to your discussion about extremes are not great.